23rd August 2012, 19:32

YSTALYFERA TEAM MISS OUT IN FINAL

... but Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg have done Wales proud, says coach Bebb

IT was not to be for Ystalyfera's Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg at the National Schools finals in Bradford on Thursday but coach Ioan Bebb said: "They can be proud of what they have achieved."

Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg went down in the Year Ten final to tough Wakefield school Outwood Grange at the famous Odsal Stadium.

But Outwood Grange were too strong from the start of the match and, as it progressed, the long journey up to Yorkshire from West Wales and the lack of preparation due to the school holidays told on the Ysgol Gyfun lads.

Outwood were 26-0 up at half-time and Bebb admitted: "We were not really at the races today. To be honest they were a very good side and it became more frustrating as the match wore on."

However, Bebb still helped to instill some spirit into the side at the break. He added: "I said if we score first in the second-half, we could still be in with a chance but it didn't happen."

It would have been a real shame as well if Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg had not put some points on the board at least and they managed just that with a very good try in the second period.

Right wing James Roberts finished off a break in the Ysgol Gyfun half by Kevin Williams and raced over the line for Luc Williams to convert.

But Bebb added: "It was a real experience for the boys and, when they look back on it and see that they were finalists in a national competition where many schools entered, they can be very proud because it may never happen again."